Houson D. Williams, Petitioner v. Sherry Yvonne Patton, Respondent

Summary

The Texas Supreme Court held that Texas Family Code §14.41(a) bars parents from settling child support arrearages until the arrearages are reduced to a final judgment, and therefore affirmed the Court of Appeals' judgment that the parties' settlement agreement was void and unenforceable. Justice Phillips dissented, arguing the statute does not prohibit such settlements, and Justices Cornyn and Doggett filed concurring opinions.